Become Financially Confident - Advice I'd Give my Bestie

If my best friend asked me how to finally feel confident with money, here’s what I’d say: first, stop waiting for the perfect time, second, don’t beat yourself up when you mess up, and third– yes, you can still buy the latte.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need a finance degree to get your money under control. You just need a few solid action steps, a little mindset shift, and permission to start where you are.

So, if you’ve been feeling like your paycheck disappears before you even catch your breath, or like everyone else knows something about money that you don’t, this is for you. It’s the same advice I’d give someone I love, and it’s exactly where you can start today.

1. Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time

Life doesn’t pause so you can “get your finances together.” There’s never a perfect time to start taking control of your money. Life is messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises. Start today, even if it’s a small step: write down your financial goals, or check your accounts today. The action itself creates momentum.

2. Know Your Money Mindset

Your beliefs about money shape every decision you make. Maybe you’ve been telling yourself, “I make good money, but I have nothing to show for it.” Or, “I’ll never be able to save while paying off debt.” Those stories aren’t facts; they’re scripts you’ve been subconsciously running in your brain that are running your life. Identify the stories you’re telling yourself about money. Are they serving you, or holding you back? Rewrite them to support your growth: “I can pay down debt and save at the same time. I can be financially confident without being perfect.”

3. Prioritize What Actually Matters

Spend your money where your heart is. Align your spending with what truly brings you joy. Forget what society says you “should” be spending on and focus on what lights you up. What’s going to matter most to you in a year? Align your spending with your values, not with what everyone else is doing. Real independence comes from funding your goals, not others’ opinions.

4. Embrace Imperfection

Missed a week of budget tracking? Overspent on Uber Eats? Mistakes happen. Learn from them, forgive yourself, and keep moving forward. Financial confidence grows from progress, not perfection. Small, consistent wins compound faster than you think.

5. Build Your First Safety Net

Even a small emergency fund ($500 to $2,000) can make a huge difference. It reduces stress, keeps small setbacks from turning into big ones, and proves to yourself that you can build stability. Once you’ve got that little bit of cushion, tackling debt and growing savings feels less overwhelming.

This is How Financial Confidence Starts

These aren’t hard and fast rules—they’re lifelines. If my best friend came to me stressed about money, this is exactly what I’d tell her: stop waiting, adjust your mindset, spend on what matters to YOU, embrace the messiness, and build yourself a little safety net.

Because financial confidence is about creating a life where your money reflects your values, supports your future, and brings you peace. 

👉 Ready to take the first step? Download our FREE Account Organization Guide below and start taking small steps, today.